Movie : Spirit
Directed by: Ranjith
Produced by :Antony Perumbavoor
Written by : Ranjith
Starring :Mohanlal,Kanika,Shankar Ramakrishnan,Thilakan,Nedumudi Venu
Music by :Shahabas Aman
Cinematography :Venu ISC
Editing by :Vijai Shankar
Once in a while comes a movie that makes your spirits soar and helps you forget the mediocrity that this medium often serves. That it does without seeking recourse to any manipulative tools we are all too familiar with, makes it even more remarkable. This movie solely depends on unalloyed storytelling skills.
SPIRIT is devoid of the prodigious feats and duels carried out by superhuman characters which are normally associated with Ranjith-Mohanlal team. Instead the movie presents real life situations with more scope for acting rather than for stunts. In fact Ranjith has been coming out with such films for some time now and he has been faithful to the pattern once more.
Reghunandan (Mohanlal) is an ex-Bank of England employee who resigned his lucrative job because he was bored with the rather sedentary nature of his work. Having lived in different parts of the world as a bank employee, he chose journalism as his next career and worked in different metropolises in India. Not satisfied, he quit the job yet again and is now writing an English novel. He is essentially a loner but loves his pegs and has an expensive collection of vintage drinks at home. Captain Nambiar(Madhu) is his next door friend. So also is Meera(Kanika) and her husband Alexy(Shanker Ramakrishnan). Strange as it might seem, Meera was once married to Reghunandan. And then Mani, the plumber enters Reghunandan’s relaxed and comfortable life and changes everything, bringing some meaning to his life.
The film depends heavily on Mohanlal’s histrionic skills to be convincing and it works. It is this effortless and natural performance that gives Spirit the lifeblood.
Among the supporting cast, Madhu as Captain Nambair gives ample support.
Thilakan is incredible and comes up with a controlled and riveting performance. Kanika may not have much screen time for a leading lady but her performance will remain etched in viewers’ memory. Shanker Ramakrishnan looks convincing with his innocent style, mannerisms and dialogue delivery.
Suraj Venjarumoodu, Nandu, Kalpana, Sidharth Bharathan, Lena, TP.Madhavan come up with fine performances.
Ranjith’s movies, generally, are embellished with competent actors who deliver super performances. And here too, every member of the cast shines in his/her role, the length of the role notwithstanding. Shahabaz Aman�s music , Santhosh Raman’s art work and Venu in camera also give apt support to Ranjith in bringing out a memorable movie, which may equal his bests.
”There isn’t really a need to find reasons for each and everything. Or else, reasoning may soon become your way of life” – Renjith reminds us through another best creation.
All in All, ‘Spirit’ is a refreshingly different movie .Recommended for all those who like to have something novel and distinct from the regular run of the mill stuffs. It is a slice of life which the populace and the regular persons would relate to.. A definite prescription for all, on theatres.
Cannot. Be. Missed!